How to build DIY Geodesic Dome with STAR connectors kit?
People use modern Dome geometry for their personal and business projects.
One easy way to make and assemble a Geodesic Dome is the STAR connectors kits manufactured by VikingDome.
The kit comes with STAR connectors and sketches on how to make a dome frame.
STAR connectors come in three sizes and strengths: Hobby, Classic, and Pro.
STAR Hobby is designed to construct a dome or sphere-shaped structure from 1 to 5-8 meters in diameter. Constructions with Hobby connectors are designed for educational projects, prototyping, landscape design, support for climbing plants, and interior and exterior elements.
STAR Classic is designed to construct a dome or sphere-shaped structure from 1 to 15 meters in diameter. Constructions with Classic connectors are designed for small construction projects, roofs, gazebos, garages, summer houses, glamping pods, small buildings, residential houses, hotel cabins, and summer or permanent restaurants.
STAR Pro is designed to construct a dome or sphere-shaped structure from 2 to 25 meters in diameter. Constructions with Pro connectors for construction projects, sky roofs, planetariums, roofing, gazebos, garages, summer houses, glamping pods, small buildings, residential houses, hotel cabins, restaurants, and hotel buildings.
STAR connectors are made of steel and are designed to connect dome struts made of wood or steel. Struts of the right thickness and strength and the suitable STAR connectors assemblies allow you to install a Geodesic Dome Frame from 3 to 30 meters in diameter.
Price for All DIY Connector Models
Price for All Dome Models
Steps:
- Decide on design: select your geometry - Icosahedron, Octahedron, Zome, or Hexa.
- Select the geometry frequency F (V). The length of the struts and the size of the triangles depend on it.
- To evaluate the service life and load resistance, choose whether the STAR connectors will be 1 or 2 layers. For even more excellent resistance to snow and wind, STAR connectors can be installed in 3 or 4 layers.
- The material of Struts and their cross-section is selected. It depends on whether your construction is sufficiently load-bearing.
- Choose from STAR connector types: Classic, Pro, Hobby.
- Choose STAR connectors material (finish): Galvanized, Stainless Steel, Powdered RAL color.
- The STAR connectors kit is sent to the client along with a drawing file showing the lengths of the struts. You have to order the frame material (wood, aluminum profile, stainless steel profile) from your local partner.
- Cut the frame materials and make struts. The wood is cut, and drillings are made in the screws to prevent the wood from cracking.
- Prepare the square, the foundation, or the terrace where you plan to install the dome.
- STAR connectors are connected to the Struts. This work can be done in two ways: in rows from bottom to top or using a crane and mounting from top to bottom. Frame assembling with a crane is more expensive but more efficient. Building without a crane requires an aluminum tower or ladder to reach the required height.
- After assembling the entire dome with a crane, the dome is lowered onto the platforms. The frame is stretched so that the support assemblies stand in place. When assembling without a crane, the support units can only be attached to the foundation or terrace by building 2 or 3 rows, then by stretching and fastening.
- Supporting units are attached to the foundation or terrace.
- The frame is assembled. Roof/facade panel installation can be started. Geodesic Dome coatings can be used with most frame construction technologies. Still, some of them are very labor-intensive and require careful manual work.